Kindergarten Newsletter
English Version February 2025
Issue #5 (2024-2025)
Dear Kingston Families,
As we step into February, we look back with gratitude on the wonderful moments of learning, growth, and creativity we've shared over the past months. February brought fresh beginnings and exciting opportunities for discovery, both indoors and outdoors, as we embraced the winter season together.
In this month's newsletter, you'll find highlights from our recent projects and updates on ongoing activities. From hands-on learning experiences to creative explorations, our students continue to amaze us with their enthusiasm and curiosity.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in making our school community so special. Weโre excited for all the opportunities and achievements the rest of 2025 will bring as we continue our shared journey of learning and growth!
Golden Hour
A new initiative that we have introduced this month in Golden Hour. During Golden Hour, our 3 and 4 Year Old Extended Day classes come together every Friday afternoon for a special shared play experience. This innovative time allows children to form connections across age groups while engaging in varied, enriching activities that change weekly. The mixed-age environment provides natural opportunities for mentorship, cooperation, and social growth as children interact with new friends and explore different play scenarios together.
Field Trips ๐
Ocean Park (2 Year Old Classes)
Our 2 Year Old Class students and their families enjoyed a wonderful field trip to Ocean Park as part of their animals unit, bringing their classroom learning to life! The children were thrilled to see many of the animals they had been learning about, from playful monkeys to colorful fish and majestic pandas. This hands-on experience deepened their understanding of the animal world and sparked even more curiosity and excitement. It was a joyful day filled with exploration, as the children bonded with their classmates and shared the experience with their families. The trip was not only educational but also a memorable celebration of learning and fun!
MTR Trip (3 Year Old Classes)
Our 3 Year Old Classes recently had an exciting field trip to the MTR, a memorable experience for many of the children, especially those riding the train for the very first time! The adventure began with the children using their Octopus cards to enter the station, a thrilling moment of independence. As they explored the station, they learned about the various signs and symbols that help guide passengers, sparking curiosity and recognition. The group traveled on the train from Kowloon Tong to Hung Hom and back, enjoying the sights and sounds of the journey. At Hung Hom station, the children discovered other modes of transport connected to the station, including taxis, buses, and minibuses, broadening their understanding of how people travel around the city. It was a day filled with discovery, excitement, and the joy of new experiences!
Train Museum Trip (3 Year Old Classes)
Our 3 Year Old Class recently enjoyed an exciting visit to the Hong Kong Railway Museum in Tai Po as part of their exploration of transportation systems. The trip offered a hands-on learning experience, allowing the children to see historical train carriages up close, explore the workings of a railway, and learn about the evolution of transportation in Hong Kong. The students were fascinated by the old locomotives and enjoyed interactive moments such as pretending to be train passengers. This engaging outing not only deepened their understanding of how transportation connects people and places but also sparked curiosity and excitement about the world around them.
In-School Activities
Parent Workshop - Mathematics in the PYP
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents who attended the Mathematics in the PYP workshop hosted by our 3 Year Old Class Chinese teachers. Your participation and engagement made the session a meaningful opportunity to explore how mathematical concepts are introduced and nurtured in early childhood. We truly value your commitment to supporting your childโs learning journey. Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that our next parent workshop will be hosted by Ms. Olivia and will focus on the importance of messy play. This hands-on session will delve into how sensory-rich, creative play fosters development and learning. Stay tuned for more details - we look forward to seeing you there!
School Photos
Red Packet Donation
A heartfelt thank you to all Kingston families for your generous participation in the World Vision Red Packet donation drive! Your contributions will make a meaningful impact, helping to support children and families in need around the world. This initiative provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about compassion, empathy, and the importance of giving back to the community. We are so proud of the kindness and generosity shown by our school community and deeply appreciate your support in making this event such a success!
Pyjama Party
Our Pyjama Party was such a fun and memorable event for everyone! Children and staff arrived at school in their favorite pyjamas, ready for a day filled with excitement. The students brought along their beloved bedtime stories and soft toys, which made the day even more special. Together, we enjoyed sharing stories, playing games, and indulging in a delicious snack of pancakes. It was a fantastic celebration that brought lots of smiles, laughter, and a sense of togetherness throughout the day!
Bouncy Castle
Squeals of delight echoed through the playground as our kindergarten students enjoyed a special treat - a bouncy castle set up in our play area. The children had a wonderful time jumping, bouncing, and practising their gross motor skills while making joyful memories with their classmates.
Staff Spotlight
Jackie Cheung (Rabbits Class Teacher)
Hello everyone! I am Jackie Cheung, teacher of the 4 Year Old Rabbits Class. I have been a Chinese teacher since 2012. This is my second year at Kingston International Kindergarten. I am currently studying for a Master of Arts in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. I hope to continue to improve myself and let the children fall in love with Chinese and feel the charm of the language through happiness and exploration. Having worked in education for many years, I have always firmly believed that education is not only the transmission of knowledge but also the nourishment of the soul. Knowledge is important, but a kind and loving heart is more precious than knowledge. I hope that in the process of learning Chinese, children will not only master the charm of the language, but also learn to listen, understand and care for others, and become people with rich hearts, warmth, and strength. In the classroom, I am committed to creating a learning atmosphere full of love and respect, so that every child can express themselves bravely and explore the world in a safe and free environment.
Outside of the classroom, I love mountaineering and have challenged Nepal's peaks twice, climbing to a height of 5,483 meters. The process of mountain climbing made me realize the importance of persistence and breakthroughs, and this spirit has deeply influenced my teaching philosophy - I hope that children will be brave enough to try, not be afraid of challenges, and happily embrace every stage of learning and growth. In addition, I am also a "cat slave" and have four cute cats at home. I like to share their daily fun with children in class, hoping to cultivate childrenโs love, sense of responsibility, and empathy through these short stories, so that they can learn to cherish life and respect all things while learning language.
I look forward to exploring the mysteries of language with the children in the warm and vibrant campus of Kingston, appreciating the profoundness of Chinese culture, learning kindness and caring in each other's company, and reaping the joy of growth. Let us join hands to nurture our children and write a wonderful learning journey together! Thank you everyone!
Grade Level Updates ๐ฃ
Playgroup and 2 Year Old Class
This month, our Playgroup and 2 Year-Old Classes have been exploring the exciting world of animals, with a special focus on jungle and water animals! Through engaging stories, songs, and hands-on activities, the children have been learning about the unique characteristics and habitats of animals such as lions, monkeys, elephants, fish, and turtles. Theyโve enjoyed creative art projects, sensory play, and interactive games that bring the jungle and underwater worlds to life. These activities not only spark curiosity but also support language development and help build connections to the natural world. Itโs been a wonderfully enriching experience for our youngest learners!
3 Year Old Class
Our 3 Year Old Class students have been enthusiastically continuing their IBPYP Unit, How We Organise Ourselves, with the central idea: People use transportation systems to move around. This month, they participated in two exciting field trips to learn about transportation, explored concepts such as sinking and floating, and even experimented with gravity, force, and motion. Back at school, the children mapped out journeys around the campus and created their own "bus stops," which they used for imaginative play. They also had the chance to decorate and play with large-scale vehicle models, sparking creativity and teamwork. These hands-on activities have brought the unit to life, fostering a deeper understanding of transportation systems while encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and fun!
4 & 5 Year Old Class
Our 4 and 5 Year Old Classes have been delving into their IBPYP Unit, Where We Are in Place and Time, exploring the central idea: Celebrations and traditions can be connected through place and time. A highlight of their learning journey has been the vibrant preparations and celebrations of Chinese Valentineโs Day, Valentineโs Day, and the Cheung Chau Bun Festival. The children explored the unique customs, symbols, and stories behind each celebration, engaging in activities such as creating traditional crafts, decorating their classroom, and sharing festive foods. These experiences not only helped them understand the cultural significance of these events but also highlighted the common themes of love, light, and togetherness that connect celebrations across the world. It has been a meaningful and joyful exploration of traditions!
Parent Tips ๐
Fine Motor Skills Development
Fine motor skills are essential for children's overall development and play a crucial role in their readiness for writing. These skills involve the coordination of small muscles in the hands and fingers, which are necessary for tasks such as holding a pencil, cutting with scissors, and manipulating small objects. Developing fine motor skills helps children gain confidence in their abilities and lays the foundation for successful handwriting and other academic tasks later on.
Importance of Fine Motor Skills Activities
Hand Strength and Dexterity: Engaging in fine motor activities helps build the strength and dexterity needed for writing. Children need to develop a strong grasp and control over their hand movements before they can effectively manipulate writing tools.
Coordination and Control: Fine motor activities enhance hand-eye coordination, which is vital for writing and other tasks that require precision.
Cognitive Development: Many fine motor activities also promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills as children learn to manipulate objects and explore their environment.
Activity Suggestions for Home
Here are some fun and engaging activities you can try at home to support your child's fine motor development:
Play-Doh Creations: Encourage your child to roll, pinch, and shape Play-Doh into different forms. This activity strengthens hand muscles and improves dexterity.
Bead Stringing: Provide large beads and string for your child to create necklaces or bracelets. This activity promotes hand-eye coordination and fine motor control.
Scissor Skills: Allow your child to practice cutting paper with child-safe scissors. Start with straight lines and progress to curves and shapes as they gain confidence.
Lacing Cards: Create or purchase lacing cards for your child to thread laces through. This activity helps develop bilateral hand use and coordination.
Sensory Bins: Fill a bin with rice, beans, or sand and hide small toys for your child to find. Encourage them to use tweezers or scoops to pick up the items, enhancing their grip and control.
Drawing and Painting: Provide various drawing tools (crayons, markers, paintbrushes) and encourage your child to express themselves creatively. This helps them practice their grasp and control over writing instruments.
Further Reading and Resources For more information and activity ideas, consider visiting the following website:
By incorporating these activities into your child's daily routine, you can help them develop the fine motor skills necessary for writing and other important tasks. Thank you for your support in fostering your child's growth and development!
Further reading in Chinese is available on the Chinese version of this newsletter.
Celebrating Our Students' Talents Beyond the Classroom ๐
We are delighted to showcase our students' remarkable achievements beyond our classroom walls. At Kingston, we believe in celebrating the diverse talents and interests of our young learners as they explore and excel in various activities.
If you would like to share your childโs talents with us please fill in the Google Form below:
Upcoming Events ๐
7 March - Animal Carnival (2 Year Old Classes)
8 March - Family Fun Day (10:00-1:00)
10 March - School Holiday
11 March - Noahโs Ark Trip (4 Year Old Extended Day Class)
Stay connected with our school community by following us on social media! Join us on Facebook, Instagram, and RedNote for updates, event highlights, and a glimpse into our daily activities. We love sharing our exciting moments with you and fostering a vibrant online community!
Email: enquiry@kingston.edu.hk
Website: www.kingston.edu.hk
Address: 12-14 Cumberland Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
Phone: 23379049
ๅๅญธ็ๆไพๅ ทๆๆฐๆงๅๅ็ผๆง็้่ช็ฐๅข (่ฑ่ชๅๆฎ้่ฉฑ)๏ผๅน้คไปๅๅ จ้ข่ๅ่กก็็ผๅฑ๏ผไธฆไฝฟไปๅ่ฝไปฅๅไบบ็จ็น็ๆนๅผๆ็บๆดป่บไธปๅใๅ ท่ฒฌไปปๆ็ไธ็ๅ ฌๆฐใ
